Sling bar for patient lift slings

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/205,572, filed on Mar. 12, 2014, entitled “SLING BAR FOR PATIENT LIFT SLINGS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,709 issued on Jul. 21, 2015, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/783,067, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, the contents of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to overhead patient lift systems.

BACKGROUND

Motorized overhead patient lift systems are known for use in connection with lift straps, sling bars and patient lift slings to lift and transport patients for any number of reasons. Many of such motorized overhead lift systems typically operate like a winch and usually include a lift motor, a cylindrical lift drum driven by the lift motor, a housing for enclosing the motor and lift drum, and a lift strap affixed at one end within the lift drum for lifting or lowering a patient when the drum is rotated and the strap is respectfully either wound up on the lift drum or paid out from the lift drum. Typically, a sling bar is connected to the free end of the lift strap. Each end of a sling bar typically includes a load hook onto which the lift loops of a patient lift sling are hooked so that a patient can be lifted by the lift system.

However, the load hooks disposed at the ends of existing sling bars are problematic for several reasons. First, several sling bars include lift hooks that have spring-biased latches hingedly attached to the body of the sling bar, which serve to close the otherwise open hook loop by biasing the free end against the open end of the load hook. These locking gates are present to ensure that the lift loops on the patient slings do not accidentally become unhooked from the hooks at the ends of the sling bar. However, these hinged latches are not a structural part of the sling bar and are incapable of handling the lift loads. Occasionally, the lift loops can and do become positioned within the load hooks such that they are only wrapped on or around the hinged latch. When a patient is then seated in the patient sling with the lift loop in such position, the load placed on the hinged latch by the lift loop far exceeds the load capacity of the hinged latch, the latch breaks off from the sling bar, the lift loop becomes disengaged from the sling bar and the patient suddenly falls to the floor as one side of the patient sling is no longer supporting the patient's weight.

In addition, the lift hooks currently disposed at the ends of patient sling bars protrude freely into the air and otherwise are directed away from the body or cross bar portion of the sling bar. Accordingly, the free ends of the lift hooks are exposed for anyone to either catch a piece of clothing on, or catch a portion of the medical staff's or patient's body on. As such, existing lift hooks on sling bars currently pose an impalement risk to both patients and staff using and maneuvering the sling bars.

Accordingly, there is a need for a sling bar that retains the lift loops of a patient sling on the sling bar as well as reduces or removes any impalement risk from the lift hooks disposed at the ends of the sling bar. There is also a further need for a sling bar that does not utilize hinged, spring biased latches to retain the lift loops of the sling on the sling bar. As an alternative to sling bars having no latches, there is a need for sling bars containing latches designed to support a full lifting load from a lift loop, or alternatively, latches that are designed to open and release the lift loop if a lift loop places a lifting load on the latch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an isometric view of an embodiment of a new sling bar of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a front view of the embodiment of the new sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an isometric detail view of a lift hook end of the embodiment of the improved sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a partial side isometric detail view of a lift hook end of the embodiment of the improved sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-7</figref> are partial isometric detail views of a lift hook end of the embodiment of the improved sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrating the procedure for placing the lift loops of the patient sling onto the lift hooks of the improved sling bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a partial side view of an embodiment of the sling bar as disclosed herein illustrating the retention ears on the sling bar preventing a loose lift loop from inadvertently being removed from the sling bar when the lift loop is raised in an upward direction relative to its loaded hanging position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9-11</figref> are partial isometric views of alternate embodiments of the lift hook ends of an improved sling bar of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a front view of an embodiment of an improved sling bar of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a partial isometric view of the lift hook disposed at an end of the embodiment of the improved sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a side view of the embodiment of the improved sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a partial top view of the lift hook disposed at an end of the embodiment of the improved sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16-17</figref> are partial isometric views of alternate embodiments of the lift hook ends of an improved sling bar of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a partial front view of the lift hook end of an embodiment of the improved sling bar of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19-22</figref> are partial isometric views of the lift hook ends of various embodiments of an improved sling bar, illustrating various embodiments of lift hook shapes, contours of the top surface of the cross bars, and lift loop retention ear shapes.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a partial isometric view of the lift loop end of an embodiment of an improved sling bar, wherein the lift loop retention ears disposed at each end of the cross bar are hingedly connected to the cross bar at a location inside the curved hook shape of the lift hook, which hinged ears are spring biased about the hinge to fully extended positions relative to each end of the cross bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a partial isometric view of the sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> illustrating the biased spring loaded ears in a deflected position about the hinge pins.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a partial top view of the sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> illustrating the spring biased retention ears in an extended position relative to the cross bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is an isometric view of a sling bar of the present disclosure, having spring loaded clamp latches disposed at each end thereof.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a front view of the sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, illustrating the actuation of a spring loaded clamp latch at one end of the sling bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a partial isometric view of the sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, illustrating a lift loop installed and pulling down on just the clamp latch of the present disclosure at one end of the sling bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is an isometric view of a sling bar of an embodiment of the present disclosure, having spring loaded covered latches disposed at each end thereof.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a front view of the sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref>, illustrating the actuation of a spring loaded covered latch at one end of the sling bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a partial isometric view of the sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref>, illustrating the a lift loop installed and pulling down on just the end of the lift hook and covered latch of the present disclosure, at one end of the sling bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is an isometric view of a sling bar of another embodiment of the present disclosure, having spring loaded latches.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a partial front view of the sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>, illustrating a lifted clamp latch at one end of the sling bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a partial front view of the sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>, illustrating the actuation of a spring loaded clamp latch at one end of the sling bar.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref> is an angled top view of sling bar of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>, illustrating the actuation of a dual spring loaded clamp latch at one end of the sling bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. However, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, an embodiment of a sling bar <b>102</b> for use in connection with patient lift systems is shown. For purposes of simplicity, a single end or two ends of a sling bar are illustrated in the drawings, while it will be understood that a sling bar may include additional ends (e.g., 3, 4, 6, etc.,). The sling bar <b>102</b> is generally a horizontally positioned longitudinal bar having lift hooks <b>107</b> disposed at either end that is configured to be connected about the center of its length to either (1) the free hanging end a lift strap <b>109</b> that is operatively connected to a ceiling mounted overhead lift system <b>113</b>, or (2) the lift end of the rigid lift arm of a mobile patient lift. A patient sling <b>117</b> used to lift and/or transport a patient is placed beneath the patient <b>119</b> whose weight is to be supported. The patient sling <b>117</b> is then connected to the sling bar <b>102</b> by attaching lift loops extending from the patient sling over the lift hooks <b>107</b> disposed at either end of the sling bar <b>102</b>. The patient <b>119</b> may then be raised by winding up the lift strap <b>109</b> extending from the overhead ceiling mounted lift system <b>113</b> or raising the lift arm of the mobile patient lift. The lift hooks <b>107</b> at the end of sling bar <b>102</b> in turn pull upward on the lift loops <b>121</b> of the patient sling and support the active load of the patient <b>119</b> suspended there beneath.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>, a sling bar <b>102</b> of the present disclosure comprises a generally horizontally positioned cross bar <b>104</b> having opposite first and second ends <b>106</b>, <b>108</b>, a lift hook <b>107</b> disposed at and extending longitudinally outward from each end <b>106</b>, <b>108</b> of the cross bar <b>104</b>, a pair of lift loop retention ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> connected to and extending longitudinally outward from each end <b>106</b>, <b>108</b> of the cross bar <b>104</b>, wherein each ear in the pair <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> is located on opposite front <b>122</b> and back <b>124</b> sides of the lift hook <b>107</b> such that each pair of ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> flanks its corresponding lift hook <b>107</b>, and a central lift connector <b>116</b> centered along the length of the cross bar <b>104</b> for connecting to either the free hanging end of an overhead lift strap <b>109</b> or a lift arm of a portable lift system <b>100</b>.

Cross Bar

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>, in one embodiment, the cross bar <b>104</b> is a rigid beam that is curved in a downward direction, such that the ends <b>106</b>, <b>108</b> of the cross bar <b>104</b> are located below a central portion of the cross bar. One embodiment of the cross bar <b>104</b> includes a top surface <b>118</b>, a bottom surface <b>120</b>, a front surface <b>122</b>, and a back surface <b>124</b>. The central lift connector <b>116</b> is disposed in the cross bar <b>104</b> at the longitudinal center thereof. The lift connector <b>116</b> defines a connection point for connecting the sling bar <b>102</b> to the lift system at a point located above the top surface <b>118</b> of the cross bar <b>104</b> at a horizontal centerline thereof. The cross bar's curve may be semi-circular, wherein the center point of the curved cross bar <b>104</b> is centered below the lift connector <b>116</b> at a predetermined distance below the cross bar <b>104</b>. In this manner, the cross bar's center of mass is horizontally centered on the lift connector <b>116</b>, but vertically located at a position that is lower relative to the sling bar's lift point than it would be if the cross bar <b>104</b> were a straight horizontal beam.

One benefit to the downward-curved cross bar <b>104</b> having a vertically lowered center of mass and a lift point just above the cross bar <b>104</b>, is that the cross bar <b>104</b> resists rotating longitudinally out of its downward curved natural lift position, as compared to a straight or upward curved cross bar that has a center of mass that would be much closer to the cross bar's lift point. Another benefit to utilizing a downward curved cross bar <b>104</b> is that, during use, if the patient sling lift loops <b>121</b> are inadvertently looped onto just the cross bar <b>104</b> as opposed to the lift hooks <b>107</b> disposed at the ends of the cross bar <b>104</b>, the downward curved contours of the cross bar <b>104</b> will aid the lift loop <b>121</b> in slidably moving outward and onto the lift hooks <b>107</b> disposed at the ends of the curved cross bar <b>104</b>. In addition, a downward curved cross bar <b>104</b> provides additional clearance between the sling bar and a head of a patient <b>119</b> seated in a patient sling <b>117</b> suspended therefrom, so as to reduce the chance of the patient hitting his head on the sling bar during use.

However, while the above disclosed embodiment discloses a downward curved cross bar <b>104</b>, alternate cross bar shapes may be used in alternate embodiments without departing form the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in alternate embodiments, the cross bar may be a straight cross bar, a chevron (or upside down “V”) shaped cross bar, a wave shaped cross bar, a triangular shaped cross bar, or have any alternate shape than that disclosed above. In particular, the cross bar may any shape having a center of mass located below the point of connection to the overhead lift strap or lift arm of a portable list system, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The cross bar <b>104</b> may be made of solid metal, such as for example, steel, titanium, aluminum, any number of metal alloys, or any other metal that is capable of supporting the desired loading conditions. In alternate embodiments, the cross bar <b>104</b> may be made of a combination of polymers and metals. The cross bar <b>104</b> may be a single solid beam having a continuous solid cross section. In alternate embodiments it may be partially hollow and include a system of internal trusses, or it may be fully hollow similar to a tubular beam. However, in still alternate embodiments, various structural materials and structural designs may be devised and combined so as to provide the strength characteristics necessary to support the desired loads without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In general, the cross bar <b>104</b> has substantially no sharp edges, as all surfaces and edges are smooth and/or rounded so as to avoid any potential wear on the patient slings <b>117</b> that will be loaded on the sling bar <b>102</b>.

Central Lift Connector

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>, the cross bar <b>104</b> has disposed therein a central lift connector <b>116</b> that is located about the longitudinal or horizontal center line of the cross bar <b>104</b>. The central lift connector <b>116</b> provides the connection point to the lift strap <b>109</b> of an overhead patient lift system or the lift arm of a portable lift system. The central lift connector <b>116</b> may be integrally formed within the cross bar <b>104</b> or it may be a separate component that is installed into or on the cross bar <b>104</b>. In one embodiment, the lift connector may be a closed rigid loop formed along the top surface of the cross bar <b>104</b> at the longitudinal center of the cross bar <b>104</b>. In another embodiment, the central lift connector is a separate connector that is installed into a vertical hole defined in the horizontal centerline of the cross bar <b>104</b>. Such an installed connector may be affixed by locking pins, interference fitting, threaded fasteners, or other such known fastening techniques and structures.

In one embodiment, the central lift connector <b>116</b> is a swivel connector secured into the vertically oriented hole in the center of the cross bar <b>104</b>, which permits the sling bar <b>102</b> to rotate in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis through cross bar <b>104</b>. The swivel connector permits patients to be rotated about a vertical axis while being suspended from the sling bar <b>102</b>. In another embodiment, the central lift connector <b>116</b> may include a pair of perpendicular hinges that, when the cross bar <b>104</b> hangs freely, have axes of rotation that are perpendicular to the vertical rotational axis of the swivel connector and are also oriented perpendicular to each other. This combination of hinges and swivel create a central lift connector <b>116</b> having 3-degrees of rotational movement, which in use, makes it easier to maneuver the sling bar <b>102</b> and patient suspended there below. In an alternate embodiment, the pair of hinges may be replaced with a ball joint or other such connection that, together with the swivel connection, will provide for movement in 3-degrees of rotational freedom. In addition, the central lift connector <b>116</b> may include a quick release hook system <b>141</b> similar to that currently in use by Liko and Hill-Rom to provide for quick connection and disconnection to a lift strap <b>109</b> of an overhead lift system or lift arm of a portable lift.

Lift Hooks

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, each end of the cross bar <b>104</b> includes at least one lift hook <b>107</b> protruding or extending longitudinally outward therefrom. The lift hooks <b>107</b> are rigidly connected to the cross bar <b>104</b> such that the cross bar <b>104</b> and lift hooks <b>107</b> act as a single rigid structural component. In one embodiment, the shank portion of each lift hook <b>107</b> is connected to and extends from the ends of the cross bar <b>104</b> at a bottom side of the cross bar <b>104</b>. The shank portion <b>153</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b> then extends downward and further outward from the ends of the cross bar <b>104</b> before transitioning to the bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b>. The bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b> bend upward from the shank portion <b>153</b> and curve in a direction back toward the ends of the cross bar <b>104</b>. The point portion <b>182</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b> extend from the upper end of the curved bend portion <b>151</b> to a blunt end point that is located at a predefined distance from the ends of the cross bar <b>104</b> and located at a top side of the cross bar <b>104</b>. The lift hooks <b>107</b> are thus oriented in a vertical plane and protrude from the ends of the cross bar <b>104</b>.

In one embodiment, when viewed from a front side profile view, a contour line for the upper most surface of the point portion of the lift hook <b>107</b> is aligned with the contour line for the top surface of the cross bar <b>104</b>, such that the two contour lines define a single continuous contour without any misalignment there between. In an alternate embodiment, the contour line for the upper most surface of the point portion of the lift hook <b>107</b> sits at or below the contour line for the top surface of the cross bar <b>104</b>.

Ears

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-4</figref>, each end of the cross bar <b>104</b> includes a pair of ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> extending longitudinally therefrom in the same general direction as the lift hooks <b>107</b>. One ear extends longitudinally from the end of the cross bar <b>104</b> at a front side thereof and is located generally in front of the lift hook <b>107</b>, and the other ear in the pair of ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> extends longitudinally from the end of the cross bar <b>104</b> at a back side thereof and is located generally behind the lift hook <b>107</b> and opposite the front hook. In this manner, each pair of ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> defines a space there between in which a lift hook <b>107</b> is disposed. In one embodiment, each of the lift hook <b>107</b> and two ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> in a pair of ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> are generally parallel to each other. However, in alternate embodiments, each of the two ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> may flair out slightly away from each other and the lift hook <b>107</b> that is located there between as the ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> extend away from the ends of the cross bar <b>104</b>. The ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> extend a sufficient distance from the ends of the cross bar <b>104</b> such that, when viewed in a front side profile view, at least a portion of the inner concave bent surfaces of the bend portions <b>151</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b> are not visible because they are blocked from view by the ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> protruding longitudinally past such inner bend surfaces.

In addition, when viewing the sling bar in a front side profile view, the lowermost inner surface of the bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b> is visible and a space is otherwise defined and visible between the bottom side of the ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> and the lowermost inner surface of the bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b>. It is in this space that a lift loop <b>121</b>, or multiple lift loops <b>121</b>, of a patient sling will reside when they are looped onto the lift hooks <b>107</b> and the sling bar is being used to lift a patient seated in the patient sling. In an alternate embodiment, the lower most inner surfaces of the transition between the shank portion <b>153</b> and the bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b> are visible. In such an embodiment, the aforementioned space for the lift loops <b>121</b> is otherwise visible between the bottom side of the ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> and the lowermost inner surface of the bend and shank portions <b>153</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b>.

In one embodiment in which the shank of the lift hook <b>107</b> follows the contours of the bottom side of the cross bar <b>104</b>, the aforementioned space is created by providing a notch in a lower portion of each ear <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> such that the notches create the space between the inner surface of the lift hook <b>107</b> and the lower portion of the notches in the ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>.

In an alternate embodiment, the defined space for accommodating the lift loops <b>121</b> of the patient sling is created by providing ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> that follow the upper contours of the cross bar <b>104</b>, but whose height is only a fraction of the vertical thickness of the cross bar <b>104</b>, thus defining a space below the ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> and above the inner concave curved surface of the bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hook <b>107</b>.

In still another embodiment, the defined space for accommodating the lift loops <b>121</b> is created by providing ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> that are a fraction of the vertical thickness of the cross bar <b>104</b>, and are positioned not in line with the upper or lower contour lines of the cross bar <b>104</b>, but located somewhere between the contour lines of the cross bar <b>104</b>.

Regardless of the differences between the various embodiments that serve to define the space for accommodating the lift loops <b>121</b> on the patient sling <b>117</b>, the space between the lift hooks <b>107</b> and the ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> makes it possible to easily and visually determine when the lift loops <b>121</b> are properly loaded on the sling bar <b>102</b>. Furthermore, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, when a patient sling is suspended from the lift hooks <b>107</b> by the lift loops <b>121</b>, each pair of ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> serves as a pair of physical stops to prevent the lift loops <b>121</b> from being removed from the lift hooks <b>107</b> when the lift loops are merely lifted directly upward relative to the lift hooks <b>107</b>. As will be discussed in further detail below, removal of the lift loops <b>121</b> from the sling bar requires specific manipulation of the patient sling's lift loops <b>121</b> relative to both the lift hook <b>107</b> and the pair of ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>.

The lift hooks <b>107</b> are made from steel, titanium, or other such structural metals or metal alloys capable of supporting the loading conditions to which the lift hooks <b>107</b> will be subjected. In alternate embodiments, the lift hooks <b>107</b> may be made of such materials that will not suddenly break or shatter, should the lift hooks <b>107</b> become overloaded.

In one embodiment, the lift hooks <b>107</b> may be integrally formed with the cross bar <b>104</b> and ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>, as by molding or other such forming processes. In alternate embodiments, the lift hooks <b>107</b> may be structurally fastened to the cross bar <b>104</b> in a permanent or removable manner. In still another embodiment, the lift hooks <b>107</b> and central lift connector <b>116</b> may be integrally formed and connected together as a single solid piece, for example generally in the shape of an upside down “Y,” with the cross bar <b>104</b> being secured thereto or there over. In such an embodiment, the upside down “Y” would be made of a structural metal and the cross bar <b>104</b> could be made from a structural polymer, as it would not be directly subjected to the same loading conditions as the main upside down “Y” structure.

One benefit of having a sling bar <b>102</b> in which the point portion <b>182</b> of the lift hooks <b>107</b> follow the smooth top contour lines of the cross bar <b>104</b> is that risk of impalement by the end point and point portion of the lift hook <b>107</b> is virtually eliminated, as the end point and point portion no longer protrude or extend beyond the smooth contours of the cross bar <b>104</b>.

Another benefit of a sling bar utilizing rigid retention ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> to prevent removal of the lift loops <b>121</b> of a patient sling <b>117</b>, as disclosed herein, is the elimination of non-structural spring loaded latches used to retain lift loops <b>121</b>. The present disclosure eliminates the possibility that a lift loop <b>121</b> will become unseated from the bend of a lift hook <b>107</b> and become wrapped only on the spring loaded latch, which may then break away from the sling bar when it becomes subjected to lateral loading upon further active loading of the lift loop. Consequently the risk that a patient may be dropped from a patient sling if the spring loaded clip fails in this manner is eliminated because the spring loaded clip is not strong enough nor intended to support any such active load conditions.

Operation

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-8</figref>, to operate the sling bar <b>102</b> of the present disclosure and load a patient sling <b>117</b> thereon, the sling bar <b>102</b> is connected to either the free end of a lift strap <b>109</b> from an overhead patient lift system or the lift arm of a portable patient lift. A caretaker, patient, or other user determines which of the lift loops <b>121</b> on the patient sling <b>117</b> to place onto the lift hooks <b>107</b> of the sling bar <b>102</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the strap that forms the selected lift loop <b>121</b> is pinched together such that the lift loop <b>121</b> forms a narrow loop of material. The narrow lift loop <b>121</b> is positioned such that the looped end to be placed onto the lift hook <b>107</b> of the sling bar <b>102</b> is pointing in a downward direction. The narrowed looped end of the lift loop <b>121</b> is slid over the free blunt end point of the lift hook. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the lift loop is pulled in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the point portion of the lift hook <b>107</b>, so as to maintain constant tension on the lift loop <b>121</b>. While still under tension, the lift loop <b>121</b> is then slid along the length of the point portion of the lift hook <b>107</b> to the bend portion <b>151</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 &amp; 7</figref>, while maintaining the tension on the lift loop <b>121</b>, the lift loop <b>121</b> is further slid downward around the bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hook <b>107</b>, between the retention ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> protruding from the cross bar <b>104</b>, and finally seated at the bottom of the bend portion <b>151</b>, or bend and shank portions <b>153</b>. The lift loops <b>121</b> are in their correct position when they are seated in the lift hooks <b>107</b> at the lowest vertical portion of the bend portion <b>151</b>, or band and shank portion <b>153</b>, of the lift hook <b>107</b>. The patient or user who is seated below the sling bar <b>102</b> in the patient sling may then be lifted by raising the sling bar <b>102</b>, whereby the lift hooks <b>107</b> of the sling bar <b>102</b> pull upward on, and support, the lift loops <b>121</b> of the patient sling.

To remove the patient sling and lift loops <b>121</b> from the sling bar <b>102</b>, the active load of the patient is first removed from the lift sling <b>117</b>, such that there is slack in the lift loops <b>121</b> of the patient sling. Each lift loop <b>121</b> is then pulled downward to place the lift loop under tension against the inner curved surface of the lift hook. The lift loop is then slid upwards along the bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hook, between and past the retention ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>, and slid fully off of the point portion of the lift hook. When all lift loops <b>121</b> have been removed from the lift hooks <b>107</b>, the patient sling has been successfully removed from the sling bar <b>102</b>.

The ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> adjacent the lift hook <b>107</b> are configured such that, in order to load or unload the lift loops <b>121</b> onto or off of the lift hooks <b>107</b> of the sling bar <b>102</b>, the strapping, cable, rope, or other such material that forms the lift loops <b>121</b> must pass between the lift hook <b>107</b> and each ear on either side of the lift hook. This most easily accomplished by placing the strapping under tension in a direction that is radially outward from a center of the bend portion <b>151</b> of the lift hook <b>107</b> while sliding the lift loop <b>121</b> on/along the length of the lift hook <b>107</b>. However, alternate methods of loading the lift hooks <b>107</b> with the lift loops <b>121</b> of a patient sling are contemplated while not departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The specific configuration of utilizing lift loop retention ears <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> permits a user to load and unload the lift loops <b>121</b> of a patient sling on/from the sling bar's lift hooks <b>107</b> with a single hand.

Alternate Embodiments

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9-11</figref>, alternate embodiments of the sling bar <b>1102</b> of the present disclosure are shown. As shown, each of the ends of the cross bar <b>1104</b> have longitudinally directed slots defined in a top surface thereof. In such embodiments, the point portion of each lift hooks <b>1107</b><i>a </i>to <b>1107</b><i>c </i>extend from its bend portion into the longitudinal slots in the top surface of the cross bar <b>1104</b>, such that the top outer surface of the lift hook <b>1107</b><i>a </i>is generally aligned with the curved contour line of the top surface of the cross bar <b>1104</b>. In this regard, the point portion <b>1182</b> of each lift hook <b>1107</b><i>a </i>to <b>1107</b><i>c </i>is situated within its own slot, so that they do not protrude up past the top surface contour line of the cross bar <b>1104</b>. In this manner, the risk of any impalement on the lift hook (e.g., <b>1107</b><i>a</i>-<i>c</i>) is eliminated.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9-10</figref>, the lift hooks <b>1107</b><i>a</i>-<i>c </i>that are shown include a bend portion that bends vertically downward from the shank portion such that the bend portion drops below the bottom of both the cross bar <b>1104</b> and shank portion of the lift hook <b>1107</b><i>a</i>-<i>b</i>. The bend portion then bends 180-degrees back upward in a vertical direction before further bending back toward the end of the cross bar <b>1104</b>. In such an embodiment, as in some previously disclosed embodiments, the bend portion of the lift hook <b>1107</b><i>a</i>-<i>b </i>passes between the ears <b>1112</b> of the sling bar <b>1102</b> and transitions to the point portion of the lift hook. Accordingly, a bottom portion of the lift hook (e.g., <b>1107</b><i>a</i>-<i>b</i>) drops below the bottom contour line of the cross bar <b>1104</b> when viewed in a front profile view.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-15</figref>, in still other alternate embodiments of the presently disclosed sling bar <b>1202</b>, an otherwise continuous curved top surface of the cross bar <b>1204</b> may be stepped-down towards the ends thereof. In this manner, the step-down defines a first top surface <b>1204</b><i>a </i>and a second stepped-down top surface <b>1204</b><i>b </i>towards each end of the cross bar <b>1204</b>, which second stepped-down top surface <b>1204</b><i>b </i>is lower than the first top surface <b>1204</b><i>a</i>. Thus, in a front side profile view, the cross bar's top contour line is actually a stepped contour line. In such an embodiment, the point portion of the lift hook <b>1207</b> extends into the open area created by the stepped-down region of the cross bar <b>1204</b>, such that outermost surface of the point portion is located at or below the first top surface and a predetermined distance above the second stepped-down surface. A gap <b>1293</b> is present between the surface of the point portion of the lift hook <b>1207</b> and the second stepped-down surface <b>1204</b><i>b</i>. The gap should at least be large enough to permit a lift loop to be slidably passed between the point portion of the lift hook <b>1207</b> and the cross bar <b>1204</b>, so that the lift loops of a patient sling may be properly loaded onto the lift hooks <b>1207</b>. As with previously disclosed embodiments, the ears <b>1212</b>, <b>1214</b> extend longitudinally past the bend portion of the lift hooks <b>1207</b> to aid in lift loop retention. A large space is created between the bottom portion of the ears <b>1212</b>, <b>1214</b> and the lowermost bend portion of the lift hook <b>1207</b> to accommodate one or more lift loops <b>1221</b> loaded on the lift hooks <b>1207</b>.

As disclosed above, the downward curvature of the first top surface of the cross bar <b>1204</b> serves to help with proper seating of the lift loop, should a lift loop be inadvertently hooked only on the cross bar <b>1204</b>. The weight of the patient sling and lift loop will cause the lift loop to slide along the first top surface <b>1204</b><i>a </i>of the cross bar <b>1204</b> where it intersects the step-down. When it reaches the step down <b>1204</b><i>b</i>, the lift loop slides down the step-down <b>1204</b><i>b </i>to the second top surface at the lift hook <b>1207</b> end. The lift loop will continue to slide such that it slides between the point portion of the lift hook <b>1207</b> and the cross bar <b>1204</b>, where it can be manipulated to be fully seated on the lift hook.

Each of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16-22</figref> show alternate embodiments of variations of the lift hook ends (<b>1607</b> to <b>2207</b>) of cross bars (<b>1604</b> to <b>2204</b>) having stepped-down ends similar to those disclosed above. Each includes variations on the cross sectional shape of the lift hook, the specific geometry that defines the overall bent shape of the lift hook, the specific shape of the ears, and in some cases, the addition of a longitudinal bump (e.g., <b>1771</b> and <b>1871</b>) to the top surface of the cross bar to create the stepped-down geometry and top surface contour lines as disclosed herein. All of the aforementioned and depicted variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, in an alternative embodiment, as opposed to utilizing a stepped-down top surface of the cross bar <b>104</b>, the cross bar <b>104</b> may include a notch <b>194</b> in the top surface thereof that extends fully through the front and back surfaces <b>122</b>, <b>124</b> of the cross bar <b>104</b>. The cross bar <b>104</b> may additionally include a longitudinally directed slot or groove, as previously disclosed herein, that is centered in the top surface of the cross bar <b>104</b> and extends from the notch <b>194</b> through the end of the cross bar. In such an embodiment, the point portion of the lift hook <b>107</b> extends into the longitudinal slot, such that the blunt end point stops within the notch <b>194</b>. A gap is present between the surfaces of the point portion of the lift hook <b>107</b> and the upper surfaces in the cross bar <b>104</b> created by both the notch and groove. The gap should at least be large enough to permit a lift loop <b>121</b> to be slidably passed between the point portion of the lift hook <b>107</b> and the top surfaces of the cross bar <b>104</b>, so that the lift loops <b>121</b> may be loaded onto the lift hooks <b>107</b>.

In such embodiments containing either a stepped-down top surface or a notch and slot, the point portion and blunt end point of the lift hook, which together otherwise follow the contours of the top surface of the cross bar <b>104</b>, are made more accessible to a user. This in turn increases the ease with which the lift loops <b>121</b> of a patient sling may be looped over the point portion of the lift hooks <b>107</b> for proper loading of the patient sling.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23-25</figref>, in various alternate embodiments, the top surface of the cross bar (<b>2104</b>, <b>2204</b>, <b>2304</b>) slopes down toward the lift hook (<b>2107</b>, <b>2207</b>, <b>2307</b>) ends and passes below the point portion of the lift hook. In one example, the lift loop retention ears <b>2312</b> disposed at the ends of the cross bar <b>2304</b> are made part of a separate, generally “U” shaped, spring loaded latch piece <b>2373</b> that is hingedly affixed to the end of the cross bar <b>2204</b>. The hinged connection is a structural connection capable of handling (e.g., withstanding) side loads placed thereon. The spring loaded latch <b>2373</b> comprises a pair of ears <b>2312</b> and is biased to extend longitudinally outward from the end of the cross bar <b>2304</b> and position each of the ears <b>2312</b> on opposite sides of the bend portion of the lift hook <b>2307</b>. The spring loaded latch <b>2373</b> and ears <b>2312</b> may be deflected about the hinge in a downward direction toward the shank portion of the lift hook <b>2307</b>. A physical stop between the latch <b>2373</b> and the end of the cross bar <b>2304</b> prevents the pair of ears <b>2312</b> from being deflected in an upward direction past its naturally biased longitudinal position.

To load a patient sling on the present embodiment having a spring loaded latch <b>2373</b>, a lift loop from a patient sling need only be looped over the point portion <b>2382</b> of the lift hook <b>2373</b> and pulled vertically downward while situated above or on top of the ears <b>2312</b> of the spring loaded latch <b>2373</b>. The force of pulling downward on the lift loop forces the spring loaded latch <b>2373</b> and ears <b>2312</b> to hingedly deflect in a downward direction. The lift loop then slides down the spring loaded latch <b>2373</b> and onto the bend portion of the lift hook <b>2307</b> until the lift loop is able to pass between the lift loop retention ears <b>2312</b> and the lift hook <b>2307</b>. Once the lift loop slides between the lift ears <b>2312</b>, the lift loop is properly seated and the spring loaded latch <b>2373</b> and ears <b>2312</b> spring back to their naturally biased position extending longitudinally from the end of the cross bar <b>2304</b>. Accordingly, to load the lift loop onto the lift hook <b>2307</b> of the present embodiment utilizing a spring loaded latch <b>2373</b> and retention ears <b>2312</b> does not require the aforementioned specific manipulations of the lift loop. However, as the spring loaded latch <b>2307</b> does not deflect in an upward direction past its fully extended position, the removal process of the lift loop does require the aforementioned unloading manipulation of the lift loop <b>2307</b>.

Clamp Latch

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 26-28</figref>, an alternate embodiment of a new sling bar <b>2602</b> is shown. In such an embodiment, the sling bar <b>2602</b> may comprise a horizontally positioned downward curved cross bar <b>2604</b> having opposite first and second ends, a central lift connector <b>2616</b> centered along the length of the cross bar <b>2604</b> for connecting to either the free hanging end of an overhead lift strap or a lift arm of a portable lift system, a lift hook <b>2607</b> extending longitudinally outward from each end of the cross bar <b>2604</b>, and a spring loaded latch hingedly connected to the cross bar <b>2604</b>, which latch <b>2673</b> is biased to clamp downward onto a tip section of the lift hook's point portion and close off the hook opening defined between the blunt end point of the lift hook <b>2607</b> and either the cross bar <b>2604</b> or the shank portion of the lift hook <b>2607</b>.

In such an embodiment, the spring loaded latch <b>2673</b> disposed at each end of the cross bar <b>2604</b> is configured as a spring-biased lever having a hinged connection to either the shank of the lift hook <b>2607</b> or the cross bar <b>2604</b>. The hinge point, or fulcrum, of the latch is located at a point between a spring-biased release end of the latch and a gate end of the latch. The release end of the latch is generally positioned adjacent the end of the cross bar <b>2604</b> and includes a compression spring or leaf spring <b>2615</b> disposed between a bottom surface of the latch <b>2673</b> and a top surface of either the shank portion of the lift hook <b>107</b> or an upper surface of an end of the cross bar <b>2604</b>. The spring <b>2615</b> can alternatively be any type of spring that elastically resists compression or deflection forces and that otherwise biases the release end of the latch in an upward direction and the gate end of the latch in a downward direction. When no outside forces other than the spring are acting on the latch, the gate end of the latch <b>2673</b> is biased to a closed, downward clamped position over the tip section <b>2682</b> of the lift hook's point portion.

The gate end of the latch <b>2673</b> includes a recess defined in a bottom surface thereof, such that at least part of the gate end of the latch <b>2673</b>, when viewed from a longitudinal cross-section view, takes the shape of a downward facing “C” channel. The point portion of the lift hook <b>2607</b> includes a tip section <b>2682</b> that has front, top, and back faces that are offset in an inward direction from the rest of the point portion, thus creating a step-transition between a base of lift hook's point portion and its tip section <b>2682</b>. In this manner, in the presently disclosed embodiment, the tip section of the lift hook's point portion is narrower than the remainder of the point portion. When the latch is in its biased closed position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>), the recessed gate end of the latch clamps downward onto and covers the tip section <b>2682</b> of the lift hook <b>2607</b>, such that the tip section <b>2682</b> becomes seated within the recess of the latch <b>2673</b>. In this manner, at least the front, top, and back faces of the tip section <b>2682</b> are covered by the recessed end of the latch <b>2673</b>. This seating of the tip section <b>2682</b> of the lift hook <b>2607</b> within the recess of the latch <b>2673</b> provides strength and stability to the latch <b>2673</b> itself, such that the latch <b>2673</b> will be structurally supported at its gate end by the tip section of the lift hook <b>2607</b> for any active loads placed on the latch in either of the front or back lateral directions, or in a vertical downward direction.

Thus, at least a portion of any active loads placed on the latch <b>2673</b> will be transferred to the point portion of the lift hook <b>2607</b>, which will help carry and support the active load. Accordingly, the latch <b>2673</b> of the present embodiment is capable of supporting active loads placed on its gate end by a sling lift loop <b>2621</b> in all directions except an upward direction, as the upward direction is the direction in which the latch <b>2673</b> is opened.

With the latch <b>2673</b> clamping onto the tip section of the lift hook, the latch <b>2673</b> is configured so that when the latch <b>2673</b> is in the closed position, at least the outer front, top, and back faces of the latch <b>2673</b> are in alignment with the non-offset front, top, and back faces of the lift hook. The closed latch <b>2673</b> and lift hook <b>2607</b> thus provide substantially continuous aligned outer surfaces from the lift hook <b>2607</b> onto the latch <b>2673</b>, or vice versa. In addition, the downward curvature of the top surface of the latch <b>2673</b> matches the curvature of the top surface of the cross bar <b>2604</b>. Accordingly, when the latch <b>2673</b> is in a closed position, the curvature prevents a lift loop <b>2621</b> being pulled in a downward direction from remaining on either the cross bar <b>2604</b> or the latch <b>2673</b>, as the lift loop <b>2621</b> will slip off of the cross bar <b>2604</b> before any load is actually lifted by the sling bar <b>2602</b>. In addition, with the latch <b>2673</b> clamping down on and covering the tip section of the lift hook, any risk of impalement on the lift hook <b>2607</b> is eliminated.

As will be understood, in alternate embodiments, the entire length of the point portion of the lift hook <b>2607</b> may have offset faces such that the entire point portion of the lift hook <b>2607</b> is narrower than the bend portion. In this manner, the latch <b>2673</b> will be of sufficient length to fully cover the entire point portion of the lift hook <b>2607</b>.

In addition, each latch <b>2673</b> may optionally include a narrow longitudinal blade <b>2651</b> extending downward from a bottom surface of the latch <b>2673</b> between the gate end and the hinge point <b>2653</b> of the latch <b>2673</b>. The blade on the latch <b>2673</b> is rotationally and slidingly seated within a central slot defined in an end portion of the cross bar <b>2604</b>. When the latch <b>2673</b> is opened and closed, the blade <b>2651</b> rotates with the latch <b>2673</b> about the hinge point <b>2653</b> and slidingly withdraws and enters the central slot in the cross bar <b>2604</b>. The slot and blade <b>2651</b> serve to provide as an alignment guide for the latch <b>2673</b> when it is opened and closed, as well as provide further lateral stability and strength to the latch <b>2673</b> when lateral loads are placed on the latch <b>2673</b> in a front or backward direction. The blade <b>2651</b> may transfer some of the load applied to the latch <b>2673</b> by a lift loop <b>2621</b>, in either a front or backward lateral direction, to the cross bar <b>2004</b>.

The latch <b>2673</b> is naturally biased to a closed position. To open the latch <b>2673</b>, a user <b>2690</b> depresses the release end of the latch <b>2673</b> in a downward direction. The latch <b>2673</b> rotates about its hinge pin, or fulcrum, <b>2653</b> like a lever arm. This causes the gate end of the latch <b>2673</b> to rotate upward and off of the tip section <b>2682</b> of the lift hook's point portion, and causes the narrow blade of the latch <b>2673</b> to rotate upward and at least partially withdraw from the central slot in the cross bar <b>2604</b>. One or more lift loops <b>121</b> from a patient sling may then be loaded onto, or unloaded from, the lift hook <b>2607</b> at the end of the sling bar <b>2602</b>. If a lift loop that is hooked onto the lift hook <b>2607</b> inadvertently becomes positioned such that it is looped only on the latch <b>2673</b>, when the sling bar <b>2602</b> is raised to lift the active load suspended from the lift loop, the latch <b>2673</b> will either support the active load placed on it by the lift loop, or slip off of the latch <b>2673</b> and back onto the bend portion of the lift hook. Either way, the latch <b>2673</b> is configured not to break or otherwise release the lift loop from the sling bar <b>2602</b>, which might release or drop the active load.

The lift hook <b>2607</b> and latches <b>2673</b> of the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 26-28</figref> may be made from the same structural and load bearing material, such as for example, steel, titanium, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys.

Accordingly, disclosed herein are new sling bars for use with patient lifts. In one embodiment the sling bar <b>2602</b> includes a downward curved cross bar <b>2604</b> having a top surface contour line, a lift hook <b>2607</b> at each end of the cross bar that has a top surface contour line in alignment with the cross bar's contour line, and a pair of retention ears <b>2612</b> that flank opposite sides of the lift hook <b>2607</b> and prevent inadvertent removal of the lift loops <b>121</b> of a patient sling from the lift hook. The retention ears <b>2612</b> permit a user to load and unload the lift loops <b>2621</b> of a patient sling on the sling bar's lift hooks <b>2607</b> with a single hand, and without any moving parts or latches. Another embodiment of the sling bar <b>2602</b> includes a downward curved cross bar having a top surface contour line, a lift hook <b>2607</b> at each end of the cross bar <b>2604</b> that has a top surface contour line in alignment with the cross bar's contour line, and a structural latch <b>2673</b> that includes a pair of retention ears <b>2612</b>, <b>2614</b> that flank opposite sides of the lift hook <b>2607</b> and prevent inadvertent removal of the lift loops <b>2621</b> of a patient sling from the lift hook. The latch <b>2673</b> permits easier loading of the lift loops <b>2621</b> onto a lift hook <b>2607</b> while the retention ears <b>2612</b>, <b>2614</b> permit a user to unload the lift loops <b>2621</b> from the sling bar's lift hooks <b>2607</b> with a single hand.

In still another embodiment the sling bar <b>2602</b> includes a downward curved cross bar having a top surface contour line, a lift hook <b>2607</b> at each end of the cross bar <b>2604</b> that has a bottom surface contour line in alignment with the cross bar's top contour line, and a structural spring <b>2615</b> loaded covered latch <b>2673</b> seated just below the bottom side of the lift hook <b>2607</b> that prevents inadvertent removal of the sling lift loops <b>2621</b> from the lift hook, while at the same time preventing the lift loops <b>2621</b> from becoming looped over just the latch <b>2673</b>. In still another embodiment the sling bar <b>2602</b> includes a downward curved cross bar having a top surface contour line, a lift hook <b>2607</b> at each end of the cross bar <b>2604</b> that has a top surface contour line in alignment with the cross bar's contour line, and a structural spring loaded clamp latch <b>2673</b> that clamps onto a tip section of the lift hook <b>2607</b> and prevents inadvertent removal of the sling's lift loops <b>2621</b> from the lift hook <b>2607</b>, while having the ability to support active loads on the latch <b>2673</b>.

Covered Latch

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 29-31</figref>, an alternate embodiment of a new sling bar <b>2902</b> is shown, wherein the lift hooks <b>107</b> at the ends of the sling bar <b>2902</b> include spring loaded covered latches. The latches are covered by the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b> and are otherwise designed to open whenever a lift load directed vertically downward is place thereon. In such an embodiment, if a lift loop is inadvertently positioned such that it is looped over the top surface of the latch <b>2973</b> and the sling bar <b>2902</b> is then raised so as to lift an active load in a patient sling there below, the latch <b>2973</b> will open and release the lift loop before any load is ever actually lifted from its resting position. In such an embodiment, a sling bar <b>2902</b> of the present disclosure may comprise a horizontally positioned downward curved cross bar <b>2904</b> having opposite first and second ends, a central lift connector <b>2916</b> centered along the length of the cross bar <b>2904</b> for connecting to either the free hanging end of an overhead lift strap or a lift arm of a portable lift system, a lift hook <b>2907</b> extending longitudinally outward from each end of the cross bar <b>2904</b>, and a covered latch <b>2973</b> hingedly connected to the cross bar <b>2904</b> that closes the hook opening between the blunt end point of the lift hook <b>2907</b> and the cross bar <b>2904</b>.

In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 29-31</figref>, the lift hook <b>2907</b> includes a shank portion extending from the end of the cross bar <b>2904</b>. The shank portion is divided into two sections; an upper and a lower section. The upper section of the shank is thinner than the lower section of the shank portion, such that a stepped front and back surface is created with the step separating the lower and upper sections. In alternate embodiments, the ends of the cross bar <b>2904</b>, as opposed to the shank portion of the lift hook, may comprise the stepped front and back surfaces separating the lower from the upper sections at the ends of the cross bar <b>2904</b>.

As in many of the above disclosed embodiments, the lift hooks <b>2907</b> extend outward from the ends of the cross bar <b>2904</b> before curving upward and back toward the ends of the cross bar <b>2904</b>. At least a percentage of the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b> extends over the thinned upper section of the shank portion of the lift hook. A bottom surface of the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b> is generally located immediately above the contour line for the cross bar's top surface. The point portion and shank portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b> together define a hook opening between the blunt end point of the lift hook <b>2907</b> and the shank portion of the lift hook.

A longitudinal spring loaded latch <b>2973</b> is hingedly attached to either the shank portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b> or the end portion of the cross bar <b>2904</b>, and is otherwise disposed between the thinned upper section of the shank and the bottom surface of the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b>. The spring loaded latch <b>2973</b> serves to close off the hook opening and prevent the inadvertent removal of a patient sling lift loop from the lift hook <b>2907</b> of the sling bar <b>2902</b>. The spring loaded latch has a longitudinal cross-sectional shape of an upside down square “C” channel, wherein the underside of the latch includes a longitudinal through-channel extending from the hinged end through the latch end of the spring loaded latch <b>2973</b>. The purpose of the channel <b>2980</b> in the underside of the latch is to permit the thinned upper section of the shank to enter the channel in the latch <b>2973</b> when the spring loaded latch <b>2973</b> is depressed downward towards the shank portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b>. In this manner, the thinned portion of the shank serves to keep the latch <b>2973</b> centered thereon and at the same time provide lateral strength to the latch <b>2973</b> itself.

The latch <b>2973</b> includes a spring disposed between the latch <b>2973</b> and the shank portion of the lift hook. The spring <b>2973</b> biases the latch in an upward direction such that a portion of the latch's <b>2973</b> top surface at a gate end of the latch <b>2973</b> is hingedly rotated to rest against the bottom side of the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b>. In its upward biased position, the gate end of the latch <b>2973</b> closes the hook opening that is otherwise present between the shank and point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b>. In this manner, the latch <b>2973</b> is a covered latch <b>2973</b>, as the gate end of the latch <b>2973</b> is covered by the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b>.

Optionally, a front and back cover may be affixed over the respective front and back sides of the shank portions of each lift hook <b>2907</b> and each end portion of the cross bar <b>2904</b>, so as to hide the interface of the spring loaded latch <b>2973</b> with the shank of the lift hook <b>2907</b>.

The distance between the top surface of the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b> and the contour line for the top surface of the cross bar <b>2904</b> is configured to be as small as possible in this embodiment, so as to significantly reduce the risk of impalement from the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b> as compared to existing lift hook <b>2907</b> designs whose point portion protrude away from the cross bar <b>2904</b>. The gate end of the latch <b>2973</b> may extend approximately half way along the bottom side of the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b>. In this manner, there is a significant overlap between the gate end of the latch <b>2973</b> and the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b>, as well as a large distance between the hook opening and the gate end of the latch <b>2973</b>, both of which helps to reduce any risk of unintentional removal of a lift loop <b>2921</b> from the lift hook <b>2907</b>. Furthermore, the point portion of the lift hook <b>2907</b> also includes a curved top surface that is similar to the shape of the cross bar's <b>2904</b> top surface contour line. The similar curved shape helps reduce the risk that a sling's lift loop <b>2921</b> could unintentionally be place on the outside of the lift hook, because applying any tension to a lift loop placed in such a manner would cause the lift loop <b>2921</b> to slide off of the outer surface of the lift hook <b>2907</b>.

In addition, because of the configuration of the spring loaded latch <b>2973</b>, a small amount of downward force applied to the gate end <b>2984</b> of the latch <b>2973</b> will cause the latch to open, permitting lift loops <b>121</b> to be easily removed from, or added to, the lift hook <b>2907</b>. Accordingly, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, because of the smooth and rounded outer surfaces of the lift hook <b>2907</b>, if a sling lift loop <b>2921</b> is installed on a lift hook <b>2907</b> and becomes wrapped over just the blunt rounded end point of the lift hook <b>2907</b>, any tension applied to the lift loop <b>2907</b> will cause the lift loop <b>2907</b> to slip off of the blunt end point and onto the gate end of the latch <b>2973</b>. Then, because the gate end of the latch can be opened by applying a small downward force thereto, the tension on the lift loop would cause the gate end <b>2984</b> of the latch to rotate to an open position and the lift loop <b>2921</b> would slide fully out of engagement from the lift hook <b>2907</b> and the sling bar <b>2902</b>.

The latch may be made from the same or alternate material as the lift hook, including steel, aluminum, or any other metal allow capable of supporting the lift loads to which the sling bar <b>2902</b> will be subjected. Alternatively, the latch may be made of nylon or other suitable polymers as desired.

Pull Clamp Latch

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 32-35</figref>, an alternate embodiment of a new sling bar <b>3202</b> is shown. The sling bar <b>3202</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> may comprise a horizontally positioned downward curved cross bar <b>3204</b> having opposite first and second ends, a central lift connector <b>3216</b> centered along the length of the cross bar <b>3204</b> for connecting to either the free hanging end of an overhead lift strap or a lift arm of a portable lift system, a lift hook <b>3207</b> extending longitudinally outward from each end of the cross bar <b>3204</b>, and a spring loaded latch <b>3273</b> that is connected to the cross bar <b>3204</b> via a hinge <b>3253</b>. The spring loaded latch <b>3273</b> is biased to clamp downward onto a tip section <b>3282</b> of the lift hook's point portion and close off the hook opening defined between the end point of the lift hook <b>3207</b> and either the cross bar <b>3204</b> or the shank portion <b>3250</b> of the lift hook <b>3207</b>.

The spring loaded latch <b>3273</b> disposed at each end of the cross bar <b>3204</b> is configured as a clamp that is lifted by pulling the latch <b>3273</b> in an upward direction about the hinge <b>3253</b>. Each hinge <b>3253</b> (i.e., pivot point) of the latch <b>3273</b> is located at a corresponding end of the sling bar <b>3202</b>, prior to the lift hook <b>3207</b> portion, and close to the top surface of the cross bar <b>3204</b>. The latch <b>3273</b> is generally positioned adjacent the end of the cross bar <b>3204</b> and is coupled to one or more pull springs <b>3215</b><i>a </i>and/or <b>3215</b><i>b </i>configured to bias the latch in a closed position in default. The pull springs <b>3215</b><i>a</i>, <b>3215</b><i>b </i>are positioned substantially horizontal with respect to the cross bar <b>3204</b> and are located inside the shank portion <b>3250</b>, on the opposite side of the lift hook <b>107</b> with respect to its hinge point <b>3253</b>.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 34 and 35</figref>, the spring <b>3215</b><i>a/b </i>can be a single or dual pull spring. Alternatively, it may be any type of spring that elastically resists expansion or deflection forces that may bias the latch <b>3273</b> in an upward direction. When no outside forces other than the pull spring(s) <b>3215</b><i>a/b </i>are acting on the latch <b>3273</b>, the latch <b>3273</b> is biased to a closed, downward clamped position over the tip section <b>3282</b> of the lift hook's point portion <b>3283</b>.

The latch <b>3273</b> is released by a user pulling the latch <b>3273</b> (providing a force) in an upward direction, thereby rotating the latch <b>3273</b> about the hinge <b>3253</b> and stretching one or more pull springs <b>3215</b><i>a/b. </i>

The point portion <b>3283</b> of the lift hook <b>3207</b> includes a tip section <b>3282</b> that has front, top, and back faces that are offset in an inward direction from the rest of the point portion <b>3283</b>, thus creating a transition between a base of lift hook's point portion <b>3283</b> and its tip section <b>3282</b>. Accordingly, the tip section <b>3282</b> of the lift hook's point portion <b>3283</b> is narrower than the remainder of the point portion <b>3283</b>. When the latch is in its biased closed position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 32 and 35</figref>), the latch clamps downward onto and covers the tip section <b>3282</b> of the lift hook <b>3207</b>, such that the tip section <b>3282</b> becomes seated within the recess of the latch <b>3273</b>. Thus, at least the front, top, and back faces of the tip section <b>3282</b> are covered by the recessed end of the latch <b>3273</b>. This seating of the tip section <b>3282</b> of the lift hook <b>3207</b> within the recess of the latch <b>3273</b> provides strength and stability to the latch <b>3273</b> itself, such that the latch <b>3273</b> is structurally supported by the tip section <b>3282</b> of the lift hook <b>3207</b> for any active loads placed on the latch in either of the front or back lateral directions, or in a vertical downward direction.

Thus, at least a portion of any active loads placed on the latch <b>3273</b> will be transferred to the point portion of the lift hook <b>3207</b>, which will help carry and support the active load. Accordingly, the latch <b>3273</b> of the present embodiment is capable of supporting active loads placed on its gate end by a sling lift loop in all directions except an upward direction, as the upward direction is the direction in which the latch <b>3273</b> is opened.

With the latch <b>3273</b> clamping onto the tip section <b>3282</b> of the lift hook <b>3207</b>, the latch <b>3273</b> is configured so that when the latch <b>3273</b> is in the closed position, at least the outer front, top, and back faces of the latch <b>3273</b> are in alignment with the non-offset front, top, and back faces of the lift hook <b>3207</b>. The closed latch <b>3273</b> and lift hook <b>3207</b> thus provide substantially continuous aligned outer surfaces from the lift hook <b>2607</b> onto the latch <b>3273</b>, or vice versa.

In one example, the downward curvature of the top surface of the latch <b>3273</b> matches the curvature of the top surface of the cross bar <b>3204</b>. Accordingly, when the latch <b>3273</b> is in a closed position, the curvature prevents a lift loop <b>2621</b> being pulled in a downward direction from remaining on either the cross bar <b>3204</b> or the latch <b>3273</b>, as the lift loop will slip off of the cross bar <b>3204</b> before any load is actually lifted by the sling bar <b>3202</b>. In addition, with the latch <b>3273</b> clamping down on and covering the tip section <b>3282</b> of the lift hook <b>3207</b>, risk of impalement on the lift hook <b>2607</b> is substantially reduced.

The lift hook <b>3207</b> and latches <b>3273</b> of the embodiment(s) depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 32 to 35</figref> may be made from the same or alternate material as the lift hook, including steel, aluminum, or any other metal allow capable of supporting the lift loads to which the sling bar <b>3202</b> will be subjected. Alternatively, the latch <b>3273</b> may be made of nylon or other suitable polymers as desired.